Abstract
BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is generally beneficial for bone health, but the effect of high levels of PA over many years, in older women, is unknown.MethodsT-score from Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and self-reported baseline characteristics were recorded for 24 female, cross-country-skiing-competitors, aged 68–76 years, from the Birkebeiner Ageing Study. Data from 647 women in the same age range from the Tromso-6 population study, with recorded DXA findings, were used for comparison.ResultsThe athletes reported a median(range) of 9(1–34) participations in the 54 km, yearly ski-race, indicating long-term PA. They also reported more moderate and high levels of PA than women in the general population (52% vs. 12 and 30% vs. 0%, respectively). The athletes had lower body mass index (BMI) than the controls (mean BMI 21.7 vs 26.9 kg/m2, p < 0.001). As many as 22/24(92%) of the athletes and 477/647(74%) of the controls had a low bone mineral density (BMD) (T-score < − 1), p 0.048, Pearson chi square test. Odds ratio (OR) of low BMD was 3.9 in athletes vs. controls (p 0.048, logistic regression), but adjusting for BMI largely diminished the effect estimate, which was no longer statistically significant (aOR 1.81, p 0.432). The proportion of self-reported fractures was the same in the two groups.ConclusionsThis pilot study suggests that long-term, high levels of PA are associated with low bone mineral density in older women, and the finding might be due to differences in BMI. Despite the lower bone mineral density the athletes did not report more fractures.
Highlights
Physical activity (PA) is generally beneficial for bone health, but the effect of high levels of PA over many years, in older women, is unknown
It is mainly elderly individuals who suffer from osteoporotic fractures, and fractures in the elderly could be associated with serious consequences like reduced mobility and independence, and increased risk of institutionalization and death [2,3,4]
A few studies have looked at bone strength in elderly athletes and suggest that high impact exercise is effective in maintaining bone strength throughout life [11, 12]
Summary
Physical activity (PA) is generally beneficial for bone health, but the effect of high levels of PA over many years, in older women, is unknown. Osteoporosis, defined by low bone mineral density (T-score equal or less than 2,5), is associated with increased bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. Bone mineral density decreases with age [1] It is mainly elderly individuals who suffer from osteoporotic fractures, and fractures in the elderly could be associated with serious consequences like reduced mobility and independence, and increased risk of institutionalization and death [2,3,4]. Modifiable risk factors for Gulsvik et al European Review of Aging and Physical Activity (2018) 15:12 preventing osteoporosis and fragility fractures in old age needs to be explored further. Our study is the only study known to us, which provides data on bone health in long-term, older, female athletes
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